McPake shines in Edinburgh derby as Scotland's new boss watches on
The Hearts winger set up one goal and scored another as Hearts beat Hibernian, with new national team head coach Sebastien Pocognoli watching from the stands.
By Eyob Hadgu · 3 September 2026
Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian, whose winger Josh McPake impressed in the Edinburgh derby. Photo: Paul Henery / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Josh McPake put in a man-of-the-match display for Hearts in the 3 September Edinburgh derby win over Hibernian at Easter Road, providing an assist and scoring a goal as new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli watched from the stands.
McPake set up James Wilson's opening goal in the first half before scoring himself with a curling effort that deflected off Hibernian defender Grant Hanley. He also caused problems down the wing against Hibernian full-back Felix Passlack throughout the match.
"I thought we started the game really well. Obviously, I got the assist in the first half, but I really wanted the goal," McPake told BBC Sport Scotland.
The 25-year-old winger joined Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer after signing a pre-contract in January. A former Rangers youth product, he had six loan spells before finding form at Stirling Albion and St Johnstone, which caught Hearts' attention. In eight games for his new club, he has recorded two goals and four assists.
McPake's performance has fuelled calls for his inclusion in Pocognoli's first Scotland squad. Analyst Scott Allan said: "He is the standout at present," predicting McPake would be selected for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
This report draws on reporting from BBC Sport, via Yahoo Sports, and the Scotsman.
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